San Diego mayor to face sexual harassment lawsuit

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(CNN) — San Diego Mayor Bob Filner is about to face at least one sexual harassment lawsuit as a series of allegations against him roils City Hall.

A city employee will announce the lawsuit Monday, attorney Gloria Allred’s office said.

The woman’s identity was not immediately revealed.

Filner has denied sexual harassment claims, and said last week that he believes “a full presentation of the facts will vindicate me.”

But he has also acknowledged, “I need help,” and added, “I’m clearly doing something wrong.”

“I am embarrassed to admit that I have failed to fully respect the women who work for me and with me, and that at times I have intimidated them,” Filner said in a statement earlier this month. “It’s a good thing that behavior that would have been tolerated in the past is being called out in this generation for what it is: inappropriate and wrong.”

No alleged victims of sexual harassment have come forward publicly.

But former city councilwoman Donna Frye — a Democrat, like Filner — and two attorneys who say they represent accusers held a news conference announcing allegations against the mayor.

One of the attorneys, Marco Gonzalez, who represents an unidentified accuser, said last week that he intends to file a sexual harassment claim with the city and may also file civil lawsuits against San Diego.

Some of Filner’s longtime backers are urging him to step down. But he has said he will not resign.

Hotline established

The San Diego Sheriff’s Department has established a hotline for accusers.

Under California law, they have anonymity.

Since the phone number was announced Friday, the department has received calls, spokeswoman Jan Caldwell told CNN Monday.